v4c57: The Shadows and the Stone

Not long after Yun Ren left to speak to the Head Inquisitor…

Ri Zu took a deep and calming breath as she watched over Shao Heng. The room was silent, save for both of their breathing. She was not expecting another attack—it was too soon after the last one—but she was not in the habit of negligence.

She had relieved Bi De of his watch and now she sat alone for the first time since the attack. She was still tense, and her heart was still not calm… though not because of the danger nor Shao Hengs condition..

Ri Zu grimaced and replayed the meeting that had left her so unsettled in her mind.

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After they had discussed their plan, Rizu decided the first thing to do was reach out for an ally. Someone who Ri Zu was certain had at least some power and would hopefully be inclined to help.

Master Lishu.

Ri Zu was actually a bit confused; he had not been immediately present and ascertaining the situation. The man loathed things like this… but instead of Master Lishu taking command, she had only seen a glimpse of him as the internal guard force had taken Mo Chaoge away.

He was not the kind of man to let things like this lie. So with Bi De still guarding Shao Heng, Ri Zu went to the Master of the Medical Pavilion.

She knocked on the door to his office and Master Lishu thankfully answered.

“Enter,” he commanded, and Ri Zu did as he bid. But unlike all the other times, he was not at his desk. Instead, he was off in a side room sitting upon a stone meditation dias. His eyes were closed and his breathing was deep and even.

“I presume you are here about what happened last night?” Master Lishu asked.

Ri Zu was taken aback by his calm demeanor. He looked no different than he ever did. She would have thought that somebody invading the Medical Pavilion in order to kill a patient would at least provoke a reaction from him, but he was the same as always.

“Yes, Master Lishu. This Ri Zu would have your council… and should you be willing, your help.”

“Hmm. I imagined you would take longer to ask me—but I suppose even your stubbornness has limits. I am listening,” the man stated without inflection.

And so Ri Zu told him about the predicament they found themselves in and their opponent, the Mo Clan. Through it all the man’s posture did not shift and his eyes did not open. His breaths were deep and even.

“And this is why this Ri Zu would ask for Master Lishu’s help, in case the Mo clan seeks to escalate this.”

Master Lishu did not react; he was as still as a stone in a pond, like the concerns of the Pavillion he so loved, and the challenge he had with Ri Zu was utterly beneath his notice.

“Ri Zu can go, if Master Lishu has other things to do,” she offered as the man continued to sit.

This, however, provoked a reaction.

“One must go about such things with a calm head, Ri Zu,” Master Lishu stated and then opened his eyes. “And this Lishu is not calm.”

At once Ri Zu realised the reason why he was meditating.

A veil was ripped open as master Lishu’s eyes focused on Ri Zu. His intent was like a flood coming down from the mountaintops, a crushing wall of water that would drag down and drown any unfortunate enough to be caught in its path. Ri Zu felt her tears, her sweat, and her saliva begin to move of their own accord—even her blood started to squirm uncomfortably as Master Lishu’s will was imposed upon her.

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“Never in my life has an assassin been so brazen as to dare enter the Medical Pavilion itself. Outside our walls, what happens happens. But here? He dared to defy my authority, assault one of my patients within my Medical Pavilion.” His voice was like the whisper of death. Ri Zu looked away for a moment to gain her bearings and saw as the fresh flowers and sweet smelling sachets he had begun to keep in his office after Ri Zu started the practise wilted and shriveled as every scrap of water was ripped from them. “I cannot fault you for following protocol and calling on the guards. However, if something happens next time, you tell me first and I shall handle things. Am I absolutely plain?”

Ri Zu shook for a moment before bowing politely before the man. “Ri Zu begs Master Lishu’s forgiveness, and will reflect upon her actions.”

“Good. Remember this—determination and pride are virtues. Stubbornness and arrogance are slow and insidious killers. Asking for help from your Master is not shameful, if another starts a fight.” His voice was slowly becoming actually calm. ”If the Mo clan thinks they can do this without earning my ire, then I will show them they cannot. Return to your patient, Ri Zu. Your Master shall lend his assistance in this matter.”

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The outcome had been positive… but Ri Zu was still shaking. Master Lishu’s intent had been the most potent she had felt in a long time.

It had taken ten minutes for it to stop feeling like her own bodily fluids were squirming unpleasantly.

Ri Zu took another breath and turned her attention to her patient.

Shao Heng was asleep, his chest rising and falling softly as he recovered from his wounds. At least he had the sense to listen to her when she had informed him what would happen if he hurt himself.